Let The Memories Begin

Disney Parks unveiled a new marketing campaign today called “Let the Memories Begin” Thursday. Apparently park guests will become the stars of a nightly photo show to be projected on the spires of Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The campaign is designed to celebrate family vacation memories created at the Disney theme parks every day.

Beginning in January 2011, Disney PhotoPass photographers will capture pictures of guests during the day that will be larger-than-life images during the nighttime show. As many as 500 images will be used every day during the show and new 3-D technology will be used to project the pictures onto the structures. Also, a new song has been commissioned for the show.

Disney also said that they will also begin featuring home videos and snapshots of real guests in television ads and other marketing.

Actors Tom Bergeron and Michael J. Fox helped make the announcement Thursday afternoon in New York City. Here is Disney’s official statement regarding the plans:

“In 2011, Disney guests will become the stars of a nightly spectacular when photos taken in the park during the day become larger-than-life projections on Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort or “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Resort. This groundbreaking new experience will celebrate the family vacation memories created in Disney theme parks every day. And this week, Disney guests will begin starring on television, too, as part of the new “Let the Memories Begin” campaign.For the first time, Disney Parks is featuring the home videos and snapshots of real guests in television ads and other marketing that will allow an audience of millions to share in true-life, heartfelt moments.

“A Disney vacation is the perfect way to create family memories that will last a lifetime,” said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, at a media announcement Thursday in New York. “We’ll spotlight those ‘only-at-Disney’ moments with family and friends during our ‘Let the Memories Begin’ campaign.”

A just-released survey of U.S. and Canadian families conducted for Disney Parks by Ypartnership, a noted research firm that tracks consumer insights and trends in travel, showed that vacation memories hold a special place in family history. Nine out of 10 parents said they planned their vacations with the express hope that they would result in a lasting family memory, the survey showed. And those memories stuck with them – nearly three-quarters said they think back “often” or “very often” on their favorite vacation experiences.”